Man, what a month.. let's talk it

So after getting a concussion back on the 11th, I've rebounded to score 3 goals in my first two games back. Also notching 3 assists. Both teams looking much better in those games! The headaches and loss of vision prevented me from using the computer too much, but it's time to write a little.

Continuing to get to know someone has never been more fun. Atleast I can't remember when it would have been. Especially with someone where I'm not exactly sure how I even know them? I've done a lot since moving down here, but I feel more alive when they're around. I've come to appreciate knowing someone that is so similar to me, and apparently likes the same things. I'm enjoying how this is going!

Other than that, life's pretty much been the same. This weekend is going very slow.

I like it!

My Top 10 of.. 2010

You could say 2010 has been one of my more eventful years to date. From moving to Columbus, to falling in a giant hole in Philly, to the Escape breaking down in North Carolina. Here is a little recap of my top ten greatest hits from 2010!

10) New Years Eve 2009 - Columbus
Does this count? I say it does. It started off by me buying some new white Nike Shox to combo with my suit to wear downtown. Little did I know where all those shoes would walk this year. I took a cab down to Lodge Bar and met up with Jake and Nikki and her friends. Later I got a cab back to Cody and Eugene's apartment to party with friends I hadn't seen in months. If this was the last I was to see of those faces, it was a hell of a way to end a crazy chapter. I then got a cab back to Lodge Bar to discover that Nikki had disappeared. I figured she'd return, so instead of aiding in the search I remained on the dance floor. The girl I was dancing with decide to jump the stage between band members and remove some clothing. Looking back, the night was more like a few hour preview of what 2010 would be like.

9) Creekside Jazz & Blues Fest - Gahanna, Ohio
I was introduced to Creekside by a girl named Katey whom I met while playing beerpong and darts at Ledo's on High St. I enjoyed a few weeks of her company before a conflicting incident one night but she left me with Creekside, which I have gone back to many, many times. One of those times was for the Jazz and Blues Festival. I was amazed at how many fair-ish rides were there, how many vendors, and all the stages. The bars were packed, the food was great, and the music was awesome.

8) Working in German Village - Columbus
While my overall experience at the downtown Comfort Inn was certainly anything but enjoyable, it will always be my first job in the city. Getting to drive downtown for work everyday is something I still miss, as are the quiet night shifts and mornings where I'd watch the sun rise on the city. I still consider the friendship I made out of it to be a good one. I'll never forget all the fun times Tarah and I had. Whether it be going to Arena, using our free tickets from the visitors bureau, or just hanging out. She's the first person I really became close to after moving and no matter how little we actually communicate, I'll always care about her.

7) ComFest - Columbus
I had heard a lot about ComFest, and that means a great variety of opinions on what it was about, who it was for, and who it wasn't for. I found myself there each day, and have to say it was definitely an experience that I will be returning to in years to come.

6) Cedar Point w/ my Fam - Sandusky
Not getting to see my family very much was kind of hard on both parties. But we made up for it with a weekend up at Cedar Point. I think when we are younger we tend to give family the run-around, tend to overlook so much. From our Cruise in 2007 to present day, I've come to more than enjoy who my family are and the minutes spent with them.

5) Getting back into outdoor soccer
Consider another goal of mine achieved. I had been wanting to join an outdoor league for years. With all the time I've spent around the Crew the past few years, I have learned so much more about the game. And getting back on the field was kind of a way for myself to confirm that I had learned some new tricks, and that I had become a better player than I was. I believe I recognized both of these, and I can't wait to continue with the new life that has been breathed into my game! Team-wise we got off to a rather rocky start, but turned things around with what I think was a five game win streak. We barely missed out on the semi-final by losing 1-0 if I remeber correctly. It was a great way to get back into the game in the way that I wanted to.

4) Visiting with old friends
Since moving, I have only been back to Bluffton five, maybe six times. There have been a number of people that have visited me while in Columbus. Showing Jeremy and Ashley around. Having Amber and her badass friends Jaydee and Derrick over. Seeing Kelsey, Kevin, and Kristyn just recently. And randomly running into numerous old Bluffton faces around the city on completely random nights. I'm very appreciative of these people that still value these friendships as much as I do and am happy that we both find the time to see each other. I don't see how some people cannot find the time for these relationships in their lives.

3) Moving to Columbus
After trying for over two years, I finally landed a hotel job. It wasn't the ideal one that I had sought after, but it was something. I was making the move. The first few months were definitely hard, money was low and space was limited in our two bedroom. Making friends and meeting new people was never a problem though, and over a period where I could've just sat and slept everyday away and did nothing with my life, I actually went out and made Columbus to be everything I wanted and expected it to be. Sometimes I wish I could say the same for others, but everyone has their own way about things and I'm finished trying to broaden their horizons.

2) Road Trip to the Beach - Myrtle Beach, SC
It was the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, and I had nothing to do. I was inbetween jobs with some rare extra cash and figured 'eh, maybe I'll leave for the beach tomorrow.' Trust me, it was that spontaneous and that simple. My rediscovered former classmate from college, Lindsay, decided to partner up with me for this trip and we left. No hotel, no idea if the weather would hold up in the wake of the hurricane, and no worries! We got to Myrtle around 11:30am and tore up some breakfast, then immediately sought out some hotels. We ended up with this crappy $49/night shack that happened to be just across the street from the beach and former home, the Landmark. We spent our three afternoons drinking and grabbing as much sunshine and ocean as we could. I talked Lindsay into her first ride on a rollercoaster, and we managed to get dinner at both Broadway at the Beach and down in Murrell's Inlet. We packed a lot into three days on a trip that was decided the day before we left. This trip will most likely always rank in the top 5 of my life. If not for the sheer adventure of it, then definitely for the girl I rediscovered while we were on the coast.

1) Road trip for Crew vs Union - Philadelphia, PA
This takes the top spot for many reasons. Obviously, this was my first Crew away trip. But it symbolized the reaching of a goal that I've had for three years now. The whole thought of moving to Columbus, becoming good friends with the other hooligans, and taking a road trip with them was something that I could only make a reality once moved here. I remember driving to Crew Stadium that morning, where I ended up leaving the windows down on my Escape while we were gone, haha. Our bus parking out in an abandoned school and shop area. My infamous fall into a bottomless hole as I tried to give Grant a target to hit, and the size to which my elbow grew after that fall. Then came the game, where we took care of business 2-1 against the Union. Afterwards we checked into the downtown Crowne Plaza, and made our way to Fado's. Soon after, I met up with my friend Meagan. Her and I took and unexpected dive into a famous Philly fountain when I realized how hot it was outside, and we were completely soaked. Ended up passing out at her apartment where she graciously called me a cab the next morning and had me back at the hotel just before the bus was to leave. As mentioned, my clothes had been soaked.. so I had borrowed some sweats and a t-shirt from her which got me some pretty hilarious looks once back on the bus. I know this was the first of many, many away trips for me.

So there you have it. My 2010 wrapped up in ten standout moments. Believe me, there are many, many more nights that vividly standout in my memory, but some of them are better not mentioned, haha. It really was an absolute wild and crazy, rockstar year for me, and I've enjoyed almost every minute of it. 2011 has some huge shoes to fill, but with the new job, a new Crew season, and new friends, we should give her a good run. Happy New Year.

Congress bans shark-finning

I wrote a piece on the blog back in October that went over the devastating effects and outright cruelty of the practice of shark-finning.

I'm happy to say that today the House joined the Senate in passing the Shark Conservation Act. This is a great win for all involved, and pleased that our voices were heard loud enough to be listened to.

-Official Press-Release
-Oceana.org "Victory" Blog entry

501

Do we follow our dreams? Chase them down?

Do we build them?

How do we decide what amendments get approved or rejected along the way?

I've become interested in a number of things over these past few months. Many of which share the same vision-impairing smoke around them. I believe that we, as I sure do, have these massive periods throughout life where we weigh the value of these potential changes to our set ways and the road they travel down, and decide which get abandoned at the next exit and which we tell to buckle up.

Some of the more recent contenders have something that differentiates them from anything I've come across in years: An ability to persuade me that I must act if I want each of them to come along. What the hell is that all about? Don't I always live my days out in any way I actively please? They are the ones who are supposed to make bids to me. Make bids to be a part of the ride, and I pick and choose.

So do I act? Or do I sit idle as I have in my perfect world? I tell myself 'Paul these here could sideline you. First it was that, then that, and that. Now this.'

I know, we're tripping up.

'Nah, we're still good. But I gotta get this shit together man. Maybe it's beautifully good, maybe it's terminally bad.'

This thought process is not helping ourselves.

'Hah, no joke. But ya have each of these hooks dangling completely still right in front of you and--'

--and it's dark in here.

'Def. Ya can't see any of them too clearly, so which ones are you gonna bite?'

Now I'm sorting these things out. Weighing each of them carefully. I've been encountered while way on-guard, and it feels just the opposite.

And, I like it.

Today, let's talk about dumb drivers

Now here is a topic that I have been rather quiet on since moving to Columbus. Actually, I've been completely silent on it.

It seems to me that whenever I am encountering horrible drivers on the road, it's always one after another in the same day. It is never a day where there is one or two instances, it's always like 10 in one drive.

Example: Today as I'm leaving work (at Easton) some fool cuts into my left turn lane while we are both turning. It's easy to do if you are not paying attention, it really is a rather confusing turn. But when the jackass slams on his brakes as if I did something wrong when he almost destroyed the front end of my car, I lay on the horn. Then, as he is in backed-up traffic waiting to jump on 270 and I am in slowed traffic on Easton Way, I hear this very audible "thump" on the right side of my car as I roll past his car.

Something was thrown at my car.

No damage, and I can't see any scratches or marks. Maybe he hit the running board or my wheel? Crazy.

Where'd I go?

No where. I've been preparing for the cold weather here in Columbus. Crew season ended in a huge blaze that saw half of our roster be let go. Horrible murder went down in Mt. Vernon. I went back to Bluff over Thanksgiving. I've looked up flights for random warmer destinations. And have been working and trying to save some cash.

I've contemplated many ways to try to return to the blog, but couldn't really come up with anything superb. Nonetheless, my two month break is over!

I feel home, when I, see the faces that remember my own

My first trip back to Bluffton in about three months. Nothing at all had changed. I had missed seeing all the fam, we really do have a great one.

Top Five moments of being back in Bluff this weekend: 5) Watching OSU lose. 4) Molly (the dog) eating my retainers. 3) Showing fake-wife around town. 2) Seeing everyone. And..... 1) Hearing my mother's screams as she found a live snake in the basement. Look forward to the next crazy trip back!

Shark finning: no big deal, right?

Our marine-life buddies face many strange practices against them, including this. Take a few seconds out of your day to contribute to a difference, and maybe become more educated in the process. Every year, millions of sharks are caught and have their dorsal fins ripped off while still alive before being left for dead or killed. Are you imagining?

Help Oceana put a stop to this by simply typing your name, and clicking send.

From Oceana:

The Shark Conservation Act would end shark finning in the U.S. waters and make us world leaders in shark conservation.

Tell your Senators TODAY that you demand shark protections and the passage of the Shark Conservation Act.

More info on the efforts, here.

During the finning process, a shark is hauled up on deck and its fins are sliced off. The shark -- sometimes still alive -- is thrown back into the water to bleed to death. This brutal practice is also incredibly wasteful; shark finning only utilizes one to five percent of the shark’s body weight, removing an essential food source from many communities.

We are now looking at 50 vulnerable species. The deal is, that current legislation (The Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000) still has ridiculous loopholes that allow those determined to undermine the act itself to get on with their disgusting business. Most notable statistic? That in the last 15 years, species in the Atlantic have declined over 50 percent. It is also noted that in the last 35 years that all predatory sharks in the Atlantic have fallen to the point where scientists now label them "functionally eliminated." What are our actions doing to these creatures?

In a 2005 report as a follow-up to the SFPA2000, a piece submitted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and "prepared" by the National Marine Fisheries Service acknowledges that the act established in 2000 did indeed outlaw all shark finning. This report also details an incredible amount of violations and investigations, it is a real glimpse into a business in which we never see reported on by mainstream media.

There are more than enough links, videos, and stats within the links provided in this post to keep you intrigued for hours on this subject. I wish I had more time to properly lay this all out and include some more shockers, but this is it for now. Hope to converse with some of you on it.

Hemingway's Whiskey, Indoor Game #1, and a night of music at a lake-front bar

The good ones: Live a Little, You and Tequila, Where I Grew Up, Reality, and Coastal are such great tunes. Seven Days is obviously my fav song. "I've lived those seven days a thousand times, those seven days a thousand times." All those weeks in Myrtle, I've lived those days a million times. Everything I am is because of seven days each summer for the last 12 years.

Indoor Soccer, Week #1

We took a 4-3 loss as one of those games where we hadn't shaken all of that three-week break dust off yet. Plus all I have done the last few weeks is drink, eat pizza, drink, work, and drink more, haha. I had six shots on goal but couldn't put anything in the net, which really summed things up for the night. Looking forward to hammering some in next week.

Brother Believe Me at Captain's Point & Pub, 9/25

Drove an hour to see some old friends at Captain's Point (take a look, this place is sweet), a bar right along the shore of Indian Lake in Lakeview, Ohio. Got to see Brian, Kristyn, Dorothy, and many others. And $5 for a full mug of Oktoberfest that you got to keep! AND $1 refills all night. Love my life and all of it's music and friends.

Another wild weekend, got to see old friends, new friends, and fun with my best guys

Three party weekends in a row. I'm getting too old for this.. haha, nahhh.

Friday night saw the reunion of Cody, Kyle, Eugene and Paul go down in glorious style. We grazed Tuna before wandering over to McFadden's, where shots of Patron and endless double fisting of beer led to a wild plan to play pong back at the apartment. Well, due to many factors beyond the control of anyone's reasoning, I was forced by Columbus Police to leave my car in the Bethel walmart parking lot over night. A two mile walk later, we finally made it back. Where Cody and I lit up Eugene and Kyle to win two games to one. We don't do this enough anymore and if we did this everynight, I wouldn't need anything else.

Saturday night, my mom and grandma made their way down and we got some food and did some shopping. Lindsay came next, and we hit up the Hooligans club before going to the Crew game to watch Seattle completely blow us out of the water, 4-0. After the match, it was meeting up with Jeremy and Ashley for a night of campus bars and Arena.

Sunday night, went out with some more friends. The Out r Inn, Ruby's, and a couple walks for some food led to the end of a third consecutive badass weekend. (If I count out the Crew and ND losses.)

Some more surf art

(photo by Leigh Wiener) When looking up decor for the new apartment, I typically go for coastal, surf inspired objects or artwork. While looking tonight after the Crew's 3-0 win over Joe Public FC from Trinidad & Tobago of the Caribbean leagues, I came across yet another site where I could drop some money on almost every piece (the other being mentioned in my post, "The art search continues," back on 8.26.10). So head on over to AllPosters.com and check out more than just the surfing category, check out the travel and fine art sections as well. Some really, really good work featured here.